T20 World Cup 2026: Donovan Ferreira Injury Raises Doubts Over T20 World Cup Spot

According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, top all-rounder Donovan Ferreira sustained a shoulder injury during the SA20, which may be a devastating blow to South Africa's hopes of qualifying for the T20 World Cup. Twenty days from now, on February 9, South Africa will play their first game against Canada.

He dived full length to try to save a four off the last ball of the innings, but he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder while the ball was still on its way to the boundary. Later in the innings, Ferreira went out to bat despite the injury. Due to Faf du Plessis's thumb injury, he was filling in as captain. After only one delivery, he was obviously unable to extend his arm and had to quit due to injury.

Donovan Ferreira's Injury Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026:

South Africa allrounder Donovan Ferreira could miss the T20 World Cup due to a shoulder injury. ESPNcricinfo understands he sustained a fracture while fielding during the SA20 https://t.co/SPAtSObWAapic.twitter.com/mfrJkpfQaY

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 19, 2026

Ferreira stated on the post-game broadcast that he was feeling under the weather and that he would have a scan on Sunday, January 18. The report stated that he had suffered a fracture. Ferreira will miss the rest of the SA20 due to the injury in the short term. To qualify for the playoffs, the Johannesburg Super Kings, who are still in the running, must overcome the Philadelphia Royals on Monday.

Ferreira was chosen for the T20 World Cup due to his versatility as a finisher, backup wicketkeeper, and part-time bowler, but the injury also raises questions about his availability. South Africa might now have to look into other options. Although he bats at the top of the order, Ryan Rickelton, who can keep wicket and has scored two hundreds in the SA20, is an option. Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs, who have struggled with form and were previously left out, are also under consideration.

Before the ICC event, this was South Africa's most recent setback. Tony de Zorzi, who sustained a hamstring injury in December, is also awaiting confirmation of his fitness. Later this month, De Zorzi is anticipated to play in the three Twenty20 Internationals against the Windies. Ottneil Baartman, the SA20's top wicket-taker, was left out because there was not enough room in a side with six pacers, and the team is still under fire for this decision.

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